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Abstract

Background

To explore the point prevalence of the risk of malnutrition and the targeting of nutritional
interventions in relation to undernutrition risk and hospital volume.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey performed in nine hospitals including 2 170 (82.8%) patients
that agreed to participate. The hospitals were divided into large, middle, and small
sized hospitals. Undernutrition risk and overweight (including obesity) were assessed.

Results

The point prevalence of moderate/high undernutrition risk was 34%, 26% and 22% in
large, middle and small sized hospitals respectively. The corresponding figures for
overweight were 38%, 43% and 42%. The targeting of nutritional interventions in relation
to moderate/high undernutrition risk was, depending on hospital size, that 7–17% got
Protein- and Energy Enriched food (PE-food), 43–54% got oral supplements, 8–22% got
artificial nutrition, and 14–20% received eating assistance. Eating assistance was
provided to a greater extent and artificial feeding to a lesser extent in small compared
to in middle and large sized hospitals.

Conclusion

The prevalence of malnutrition risk and the precision in provision of nutritional
care differed significantly depending on hospital volume, i.e. case mix. It can be
recommended that greater efforts should be taken to increase the use of PE-food and
oral supplements for patients with eating problems in order to prevent or treat undernutrition.
A great effort needs to be taken in order to also decrease the occurrence of overweight.